Tis the year for time capsules. Whenever there is a nationwide or statewide anniversary then the sealing of time capsules abound. Back in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial numerous time capsules were sealed around the nation.
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the European discovery of Florida and communities around the state have prepared their celebrations including the sealing of time capsules. Viva Florida 500 has a program with all the major libraries around the state to provide time capsules for their communities' participation. In addition to the state celebration the City of Cape Canaveral is planning its 50th anniversary which includes a heritage day celebration and the sealing of a 50 year time capsule. Readers are invited to make suggestions on what should go inside its capsule.
The time capsule ,a water tight and sealed container, can be scheduled to be opened any number of years in the future some ranging as short at 25 years while one to is scheduled to be opened in 5 thousand years! While fun for all, a major purpose is to store items for the people of the future telling them about the time period when the capsule was first sealed.
The question always comes up, “What did they put in the capsule? It is fun reading the press to learn about the latest openings. Letters from famous and well known people make an interesting item. The City of Cape Canaveral has taken this lead and has letters from John Glenn, Jimmy Carter and one with a special letter written by Clara Ma, an 18 year old who wrote an essay which won a competition that named the Mars Rover Curiosity,
Obviously care is taken on what kind of items are stored in a time capsule so as they will last
the test of time and yet provide interesting insights into the time period when the capsule
was first sealed. Preservation materials include an oxygen remover and a moisture remover and
letters and other documents printed on acid-free paper helps.
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